Human trafficking is society’s hidden dark secret that happens, sometimes in plain sight. This heinous crime happens in every part of Pennsylvania. Yet, sometimes we don’t realize that people we encounter are victims of modern-day slavery.

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives today unanimously passed a House resolution sponsored by Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-Lehigh/Berks) that designates Jan. 23 as Maternal Health Awareness Day in Pennsylvania.

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives is taking swift and determined action to combat the opioid crisis in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania now leads the nation in drug overdoses among men ages 12 to 25 and is ninth in the country across the general population. The number of overdose deaths exceeds those caused by car crashes and guns combined. There is broad consensus the opioid issue affects all groups of Pennsylvanians – not differentiating by race, region, religion, income or any other factor.

In a bipartisan, bicameral show of support for crime victims, the General Assembly will continue taking steps to strengthen the protections for our most vulnerable victims of crime. Just as those accused of a crime have certain rights, we need to ensure our most vulnerable crime victims have equal status throughout the entire criminal justice process.

The best welfare reform is to remove barriers that keep people from working. For every Pennsylvanian to have the opportunity for a good-paying job or career, House Republicans are prioritizing access to a quality education and removing barriers to independence.